Rutherford County Sheriff’s Deputy Arrested Forcocaine Trafficking

Luis Reynaldo Parra Flores, 35, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, a deputy with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department, was charged in a federal complaint in Nashville yesterday, with conspiring to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, announced Jerry E. Martin, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.

According to the affidavit in support of the complaint, on March 13, 2013, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) intercepted a courier who arrived at the Nashville International Airport with seven kilograms of cocaine in his luggage. Federal agents and Metro Nashville drug detectives conducted an undercover operation to identify the individuals who planned to receive the cocaine. The affidavit alleges that Flores met with the cooperator and attempted to take delivery of the cocaine. After he did so, federal agents placed him under arrest and found that he was carrying a firearm and a badge identifying him as a Rutherford County Sheriff’s Deputy.

“The actions of a few corrupt law enforcement officers harms the reputation of the many dedicated men and women who wear the badge with honor,” said U.S. Attorney Jerry E. Martin. “We will always pursue those few who choose to dishonor their badge and will bring them to justice.”

“Flores failed the citizens of Rutherford County and the dedicated employees of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and violated their trust,” said Rutherford County Sheriff Robert Arnold. “We have a black eye and a bruised jaw. I am ashamed of his actions and I apologize to the citizens of Rutherford County. He has tarnished his badge and ruined the trust the citizens placed in him. His employment was immediately terminated and his badge has been destroyed and will never be worn again.”

If convicted, Flores faces a sentence of ten years to life in prison and a $10 million fine.

The case was investigated by the DEA, the 20th Judicial District Drug Task Force and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Alex Little is representing the government.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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